Wallabies scramble to low-scoring victory against France

Israel Folau fends a French rival in the tough second Test at Etihad Stadium. Picture: GETTY IMAGES

RUGBY UNION

It was their lowest winning score in 87 years but the Wallabies took an important step at Etihad Stadium in their quest to be a "team for all seasons".

After blitzing France 50-23 in a sizzling seven-try display, Australia's dour 6-0 second Test victory was an old school triumph born of grit, character and scrum dominance.

Boosted by 10 changes, Les Bleus made it hard work in a tense contest that never broke open.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie accurately likened it to a game of chicken in the scoreless first half as both sides held their nerve in sticking to their kick-happy territorial tactics.

In the second, the home side grabbed the ascendancy, kept it, but couldn't break free. Three penalty attempts failed, the playmakers lacked patience near the line and the French defence held firm.

The winning scoreline was Australia's lowest since they beat Ireland 5-3 in 1927, but even then the Wallabies were able to post a try.

McKenzie said they would be their own toughest critics for failing to put the game away and by not crossing for a five-pointer.

However, tighthead prop Sekope Kepu savoured the out-of-character victory. He said the success was more satisfying than the first Test try fest.

With the World Cup n England only 15 months away, McKenzie agreed the no-frills victory - a sixth straight win - was a crucial step forward.

"Ideally you want a team that can cope with all circumstances and the All Blacks have always done that," he said.

"They find a way, you saw that against England last week [20-15] and now they did it differently this week [28-27], but they still got there.

"And that's what I want us to be: A team for all occasions, to be a team for all seasons.

"We're actually finding ways to win in varying circumstances.

"Once you know what winning looks like you can take it anywhere."

The Wallabies are now enjoying their best streak in nine years and head into in Saturday's third Test at Sydney's Allianz Stadium with confidence.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre rightly rued an opportunity lost as his side missed two penalties and Yannick Nyanga knocked on with the line at his mercy.

As a result of their scrum - much improved after being taught a lesson by the All Blacks and South Africa last year - the Wallabies dominated in the second stanza.

"As a pack we have to get the right respect from everyone and I think we're moving in the right direction," Kepu said. "But this week means nothing ... we have to do it next week and again after that." AAP